Walker on Kenzie in St. Anthony, MN

Pros

• A friend moved in and loves everything about it.
• It is a nice, comfortable place.
• It is their new home.
• The place is very clean, and the gyro is delicious.
• It earns an A+.

Review

Walker on Kenzie is best suited for independent to lightly assisted seniors who want a warm, comfortable, homelike environment in St. Anthony and place a premium on cleanliness and a welcoming social vibe. The space earns praise for feeling like "a nice, comfortable place" where residents and friends can settle in quickly, and where a sense of belonging comes across in everyday living. For families, this translates into a practical, low-stress transition: a residence that prioritizes a tidy, inviting atmosphere, clear everyday routine, and a kitchen-casual dining feel that makes residents say, "This is my new home."

Those weighing alternatives should consider whether stronger levels of medical oversight, extensive memory care, or a more structured activities program are essential. While Walker on Kenzie receives enthusiastic impressions from many residents, the presence of lower ratings among the eight reviews signals that not every experience aligns with the glowing sentiment. Families prioritizing robust clinical services, highly engaged daily programming, or a very specific care model may want to compare with communities that emphasize those elements more prominently or offer higher caregiver-to-resident ratios and tighter oversight.

The core strengths here are highly tangible. The reviews repeatedly highlight cleanliness and maintenance - an environment that feels tidy, well-kept, and comfortable. Dining also stands out, with one note praising a delicious gyro, suggesting that meals are appealing and well prepared rather than merely functional. The repeated expressions of affection - "This is my new home," "Live here," and "A+" - point to a community atmosphere where residents and visitors sense positivity, ease, and a smooth acclimation process. In practical terms, these factors can shave weeks off the stress of moving and help new residents start building routines quickly.

On the flip side, the limited detail about care services or daily programming in the public reviews leaves some questions unanswered. The existence of lower ratings among the eight reviews implies that not all residents share in the same level of satisfaction, even if the majority voice clearly positive experiences. The main cons, while not explicitly described, appear to center on the caveat that no single community perfectly matches every resident's expectations - whether that concerns care intensity, activity variety, or value for price. Those gaps can't be ignored, but they are not presented as systemic failings; rather, they signal the importance of a targeted tour and a candid vendor-to-resident conversation.

For families evaluating options, the decision hinges on how much weight is given to the homey, clean, and appetizing living environment versus the need for more comprehensive care features. If a resident prioritizes a welcoming, easy-to-navigate setting with strong social signals and dependable day-to-day comfort, Walker on Kenzie offers a compelling fit. If, however, the resident requires more intensive clinical oversight, expansive programming, or explicit assurances around specific therapies or care plans, it makes sense to explore other communities with those capabilities and clearer performance metrics.

The practical takeaway is clear: visit armed with questions, observe meal service during a mealtime, and speak with current residents about daily routines, staff responsiveness, and how move-in transition was handled. The favorable comments are persuasive, and the strong sense of "this is home" is not easily replicated. Yet the presence of mixed ratings means due diligence is essential. For the right candidate - someone who values cleanliness, comfort, and a friendly, homelike atmosphere - Walker on Kenzie stands out as a pragmatic, well-regarded option worth pursuing. For others, especially those with higher care needs or a demand for broad programming, it's prudent to compare against alternatives that more explicitly align with those expectations.

This area of St. Anthony, Minnesota offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to relocate. With several pharmacies located within a short distance, accessing necessary medications and healthcare supplies is made easy. Additionally, there are numerous dining options such as Taco Bell, McDonald's, and local breweries like Sociable Cider Werks and Bauhaus Brew Labs for socializing and enjoying meals out. The presence of popular cafes like Starbucks and various parks nearby such as Silverwood Park and Boom Island Park provide opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities. For medical needs, reputable hospitals like University of Minnesota Medical Center-East Bank Campus and Hennepin County Medical Center are within a reasonable distance. Transport options are also readily accessible through the Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub. Overall, this neighborhood offers a vibrant community with essential amenities, making it an ideal location for senior living.

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Sociable Cider Werks (1.3 miles)
• Bauhaus Brew Labs (1.5 miles)
• Steele & Hops (1.6 miles)
• Indeed Brewing Company (1.7 miles)
• Spring Street Tavern (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (3.6 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Groundswell (5 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (5.3 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (5.7 miles)

Parks

• Silverwood Park (2.2 miles)
• Boom Island Park (2.8 miles)
• Mill Ruins Park (3 miles)
• North Loop Dog Park (3.4 miles)
• Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park (3.5 miles)
• Central Park Playground (3.7 miles)
• Gateway Dog Park - Off-Leash Play Area (3.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rosedale 14 (2.6 miles)

Hospitals

• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (3.1 miles)
• Hennepin County Medical Center (3.6 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (3.7 miles)
• Regency Hospital (5.7 miles)

Transportation

• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• HealthPartners Health Center for Women Clinic St Paul (3.3 miles)
• Fairview Clinics (3.6 miles)
• Cardiovascular Systems (3.9 miles)
• Eye Care Center (4.6 miles)
• Fairview Fridley Clinic (5.1 miles)
• Whittier Clinic (5.2 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants P.A. (5.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westminster Presbyterian Church (4 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (4.9 miles)
• Fridley United Methodist Church (5.1 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.4 miles)
• Elim Church Center (5.6 miles)